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The leaders of an unrecognized University of Wisconsin fraternity have been arrested after police found around 30 partially clothed pledges inside an overheated basement.
Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity president Brayden J. Klein and vice president Samuel N. Vane, both 20, were arrested on Wednesday for misdemeanor hazing and misdemeanor disorderly conduct.
Madison police responded to the house on Langdon Street around 8:20PM after receiving an anonymous tip about a possible hazing event.
"Inside the basement of the residence, officers found around 30 partially clothed males covered in food, condiments, and other liquids," Madison police Capt. Kipp Hartman said, per WKYT.
Several men had what police described as visible injuries consistent with physical assault.
Conditions inside the basement were described as hot and humid, with police finding the thermostat set to 81 degrees, according to The New York Post.
Police said the gathering was unlawful and escorted everyone from the property outside.
The pledges were then checked for injuries or signs of incapacitation, although cops say no one needed transportation for medical treatment.
Klein and Vane were booked into the Dane County Jail. The Dane County District Attorney’s Office is now reviewing the case before deciding whether formal charges should be filed.
Investigators collected statements from everyone inside, but some of the accounts conflicted.
"Some statements also did not align with what everybody else’s statements were, so there were some concerns with what was being said," Hartman said. "I would say we had limited cooperation."
Dozens of the students near the property were approached about the incident on Thursday, but many refused to speak. The ones that agreed only wanted to speak off-camera because they feared retaliation.
Cops are also observing what they believe is misinformation spreading on social media and have urged anyone with more information to speak with investigators.
"I think anybody that came forward with additional information may not be prosecuted given the level of cooperation that they could provide," Hartman added.
The Alpha Epsilon Pi chapter involved is not officially recognized by the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
Police described it as an "unrecognized and unaccredited" student organization, which was "terminated" by U of W more than a decade ago.
However, the university noted that Alpha Epsilon Pi remains a nationally recognized fraternity; therefore, "it is legally allowed to operate as a fraternity chapter unaffiliated with the university".
The suspected hazing incident took place during rush week at the university.
"With it being rush week right now, we know that there are various ways that fraternities and sororities conduct these things," Hartman said. "Our thing is always going to be on student safety."
He said Madison police regularly collaborate with fraternities and sororities to help ensure events stay safe and lawful.
"Our concern is when things are going too far, and people’s either life and-or physical harm is at stake, that is definitely when we are going to be stepping in," Hartman said.
UW-Madison has announced that its Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards will investigate students who may have been involved.
"UW–Madison is fully committed to preventing and addressing hazing and takes all incidents involving our community seriously," the university said in a statement. "Any student determined to be in violation of law, regulation, or university policy may be subject to sanctions according to Wis. Admin. Code Chapter UWS 17."
"These sanctions may include a written reprimand, disciplinary probation, disciplinary suspension, termination, or educational sanctions," it warned.
The University of Wisconsin–Madison said it shares information about unrecognized and terminated organizations with students, parents, and families at the beginning of each academic year.
The Office of Student Assistance and Support and University Health Services are also providing support as needed.
